Review -- ID GUINESS -- Cure For The Common Crush

CURE FOR THE COMMON CRUSH
Id Guinness
Independent
9.5-out-of-10
There are CDs which are able to catch your attention from the very first strains of the opening song, and that is exactly what Id Guinness does on his debut album Cure For The Common Crush. The opening tune Rising River has a haunting opening, the song being somewhat dark musically, over which Guinness' voice, one with a sort of British feel, carries a truly beautiful song. Impressive start.
Of course the key is making sure it's not one good song, and then nadda. Well fear not on this one folks, Guinness keeps it coming throughout this 13 cut CD.
The second song, The One That Got Away, has another killer musical intro. Again moody and rich, Guinness' voice still shines through. By the time the second song is finished, you will be hooked. You will realize you have found a gem. This guy combines it all. The lyrics are compelling, the music rich, deep, moody and full. The arrangements are lush. The voice smooth, with that sort of British undertone – think a twist of David Bowie, who interestingly he lists as an influence. The result is pure WOW!
Now I might have guessed this would be good considering Guinness has been performing with the Wyrd Sisters of late, and they are perhaps the best, yet sadly not widely know groups in Canada. I can tell you that they must have taught Guinness well, because at times there are times you can see slight similarities in approach, although fear not this guy has his own beautiful sound as well.
Songs such as I Have seen the Future, Down to This and The Joke are other cuts to watch, although in truth any one of these are pure gold.
Check him out at www.idguinness.com and buy this CD.
-- CALVIN DANIELS

-- Review first appeared in Yorkton This Week newspaper May 28, 2008 - Yorkton, SK. Canada